On May 4, 2023 Erie County approved the new stadium lease agreement for the Buffalo Bills, with a unanimous 10-0 vote by the Erie County Legislature. It was this approval that was a key step in allowing construction of the new Buffalo Bills stadium to begin. Through this deal the Legislature’s Minority Caucus ensured future generations would not be gripped with the cost of a new stadium by negotiating for an agreement with the Bills Administration whereas Erie County would pay more in cash from the budget surplus to fund the County’s $250 million obligation. Under the agreement between all parties, New York State was responsible for $600 million, Erie County for $250 million, and $550 million from both the NFL and the Buffalo Bills, with the organization paying for cost overruns. On June 5, 2023 a ceremony was arranged for the initial groundbreaking for the new stadium with major construction commencing later that month.
In April 2025 the Buffalo Bills celebrated the topping out of the new stadium, recognizing the placement of the final steel beam. At the ceremony over 1,000 construction workers and the Bills owner Terry Pegula signed the beam. An American flag, the New York State flag, and an evergreen tree, symbolizing good luck, were attached to the beam before it was lifted into its final position. The new Bills stadium is scheduled to open for the 2026 NFL season, with an expectation of welcoming fans starting in the summer 2026. While the stadium will be ready for the first games, some final fixes and items might not be fully completed until December 2026. Since the initial agreement, the stadium cost has risen significantly and cost overruns remain the responsibility of the Buffalo Bills and NFL.
In 2021 Senator April Baskin, then Chair Legislature, led the charge in constructing a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), to ensure the Buffalo Bills substantial financial commitments were to translate to tangible benefits of the Buffalo Niagara region on the return of $850 million given to them by New York State and Erie County. Through the CBA the Buffalo Bills are required to establish a transparent process for community groups and residents to seek the team’s support for initiatives that address critical societal issues, from hunger to housing in the Buffalo Niagara region. This also includes greater accountability in opening stadium-related contracting opportunities to small, local businesses and other key areas including local spending on stadium supplies, vendor-contracted stadium operations, inclusion of local food businesses, youth programming for professional sports careers, and public art initiatives created by local artists. Senator Baskin continues this effort even now in her role as a member of the State Senate to fight for all Bills fans to see an economic investment in their community as a result of their investment into the new stadium. Along with the Community Benefits Oversight Committee, Senator Baskin is committed to ensuring that this CBA is executed with integrity. There will be no acceptance of loopholes, legalese, or half-hearted efforts. Over the 33-year duration of the stadium lease, there will be a demand for the best possible outcomes for community investment, not just the bare minimum.
For more information on Bills Stadium Deal and opportunities follow this link https://www.buffalobills.com/new-stadium/community-benefits-agreement or call our office 716-826-2683